Ahead of peace talks, Ukraine launched a major drone strike deep into Russia, destroying over 40 aircraft at strategic airbases. President Zelenskyy said the operation took 18 months to plan and used 117 drones, targeting only military assets.

The mission, coordinated near an FSB office, hit 34% of Russia’s cruise missile carriers. Despite scheduled talks in Istanbul, Zelenskyy noted that Russia has not shared its promised peace proposal. Ukraine remains open to dialogue but insists on continued pressure through military, diplomatic, and economic means.